Sona 2012: Mixed reactions from Filipinos here and abroad

Sun.Star at www.sunstar.com.ph, a network of community newspapers in the country, conducted video interviews among some Filipinos abroad via Skype, and the same was conducted among some locals from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

The 90-minute speech delivered on July 23 is said to be the longest since President Benigo Aquino III assumed the presidency in 2010. His inaugural address in 2010 lasted for about 36 minutes, while his State of the Nation Address (Sona) in 2011 lasted 53 minutes.

Neil Anthony Rusia, a volunteer worker in Thailand, said he was quite satisfied with Aquino’s accomplishments during the first three years that were highlighted on the Sona. But he said some of his expectations on the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill issue were unmet.

RJ Fernandez, an overseas worker in Singapore, expressed appreciation over the peace process development under the Aquino administration. He also pointed out about the topic on Reproductive Health Bill.

Don Joseph Abella, who is now based in Saudi Arabia, meanwhile highlighted plights of the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as well as other issues that Aquino failed to address. Abella said that based on Aquino’s Sona, the government has no concrete plans and programs yet for the OFWs.

Candeze Mongaya, a young journalist, said Aquino effectively summarized his achievements for the past three years. However, she expressed disappointment over the non-inclusion of the Freedom of Information Bill in the Sona.

Allysah Pangandaman, however satisfied, hopes that President Aquino will give more concrete plans for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm), especially on the peace development and poll process.